The Double

In the game of international espionage, its often hard to tell who is chasing who....

For his entire career as a CIA agent, "Paul Shepherdson" chased down and killed a group of Russian spies known as the Cassius Seven, intent on destroying the American way of life. He got them all except one, a phantom known as "Cassius", a man who seemingly vanished into thin air. When the super-spy kills an American senator, Shepherdson is brought back into the fold and asked to track him down.

"Ben Geary" is a young FBI rookie, who made his name by studying and writing a thesis on all that was "Cassius". He is invited to lead the investigation alongside his hero "Shepherdson", but as they get closer and closer to tracking down the maniac killer, the more he begins to suspect that not only he, but also his young family may be in mortal danger.

A double agent with a deadly secret will be unveiled, but on which side of the line they will land, nobody can really tell...

Topher Grace, better known to the world as "Eric Foreman" of "The 70's Show", makes his first major film since "Predators", with a very decent showing as serial killer obsessed FBI Agent "Ben Geary". Together with Hollywood veteran Richard Gere they bring to the screen a very decent spy film; certainly the best Cold War inspired thriller since "Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy".

Grace gives a very decent performance, which is creditable, but you still see glimpses of the naughty teenager which brought him onto the world stage. He looks ill at ease in the action scenes, and this film has many, but good gives a good all-round showing, in what is his first lead role on the big screen. He interacts well with Gere and keeps the suspense going throughout the film.

Richard Gere was almost born to play this sort of spy role and does superbly as the vengeful "Paul Shepherdson". He almost seems to live this role and reminds me a lot of his epic performance in "The Jackal". His character is deeply troubled, obsessive and in seek of revenge, but also in some way looking for a normality which he can never have. His darkness is perfect for this film and he does well in the action scenes too.

Hollywood legend Martin Sheen does a fantastic job as CIA Director, "Tom Highland". It is a shame we see this talented actor so infrequently. He really does a great job in this film, while Odette Annabele does an okay job as the young "Natalie Geary". Her move from TV may have been a bit premature, but it would be good to see her in a more serious role in her next outing.

The movie is well paced and will keep you guessing until the very end. The audience gets the feeling that the cat has been let out of the bag very early on in the script, but you'd be wrong! Watch out for a lovely twist. Well worth the effort and a good watch. I look forward to seeing more of Topher Grace on the big screen.

5.5/10